Whether you're looking for a beach vacation or city break, this travel guide will help you discover all that beautiful Barcelona has to offer!
Barcelona is a city that will steal your heart. It's the perfect place for a romantic getaway with your significant other or to explore with friends. With its endless charm and beauty, it's no wonder people are falling in love with Barcelona all over again. If you're looking for some of the best things to do in Barcelona, read on!
You'll find hidden gems at every turn, like Gaudí architecture or museums filled with priceless artworks by Picasso or Dali. You can also take a day trip through Spain’s wine country and stop off at one of their many vineyards along the way to sample some delicious wines and tapas before heading back home. And don't forget about the food!
Current mood: Itching to get on a flight! So for my first travel guide, I'd like to introduce...Barcelona.
This city holds a very special place in my heart...It's my hometown. got married in December and before our wedding, my husband Danny and my best friend Fernando decided to take an "Origins Trip". Backstory -- our little trio travels almost everywhere together and we have become very close over the years. I've known Fernando since I was 14! Well...we wanted to take each other back to the place we grew up in; we wanted to better understand each other and see what environment shaped us into who we are today.
We went in mid-May and the weather was perfect not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket! (get the Miss Congeniality reference? haha)
How to get to Barcelona?
Our flight with Level Airlines
We flew out of LAX and we scored an INSANE deal with Level Airlines (which is Iberia's budget airline) RT for $430! ...I know.
Pro tip: There is food for purchase, but it is a budget airline so bear that in mind (pack a lot of snacks). Yes, would absolutely fly with them again!
Where we stayed
Ok so, I am a huge fan of Airbnb! We booked our place through the Delta & Airbnb partnership (you earn 1 mile for every $1 spent) and I am totally a Delta snob. You can sign up for the American Express Delta Card, it's seriously the best and I get upgrades all the time #WhatIsEconomy? lol
My favorite way of traveling to cities for longer periods of time is through AirBnb. We stayed in the neighborhood of El Born/Barceloneta which is very central to all the sights in Barcelona without being smack in the middle of all the noise.
Here are some of the best budget-friendly vacation rentals in Barcelona:
1. Where we stayed
Close to the beach and city center and Gothic Quarter. Walking distance to restaurants and attractions all within walking distance.
2. Port Vell Apartment
This apartment has a rooftop terrace, ideal for chilling out and enjoy the spectacular Port Vell of Barcelona.
3. Poble Sec Apartment
Close to Poble Sec, and the best food in town. This cute apartment has a wonderful patio to enjoy homemade tapas and a glass of cold sangria on a hot Spanish night.
4. Sagrada Familia Terrace Penthouse
A wonderfully bright and sunny penthouse apartment in the center of Barcelona with a beautiful rooftop terrace. Only two blocks away from Gaudi's Sagrada Familia cathedral, this is a quiet penthouse with everything needed for a fantastic stay in this beautiful city!
5. Fira Montjuic Home A designer apartment within a building that is listed as part of the city's historical and artistic heritage.
What to do
Sights
Sagrada Familia
Park Güell
Casa Batllo & Casa Mila
La Pedrera
If you're planning on going to any of the sights listed above, I highly suggest you purchase your time slotted tickets in advance at tiquets.com
Budget-Friendly Things to do in Barcelona
Explore Las Ramblas
La Boqueria (Famous Farmers Market)
Get lost in the Gothic Quarter (Lot's of great local boutiques, tapas bars and architecture!)
Fountain of Montjuic (check for showtimes )
Maremagnum (shopping)
Beaches
Personally, I'm not a fan of Barcelona's beaches, I prefer Sitges. If you want to explore a little outside of Barcelona head to my favorite coastal town! It's about a 45min train ride from the city, with great beaches, great views, and delicious food!
Where to eat
Paella
Restaurant 7 Portes
Pez Vela
Xiringuito Escriba
Tapas
El Xampnyet
Cal Pep
La Paradeta
Quimet y Quimet
Pincho J
Cerveceria Catalana
El Nacional
When it comes to tapas, don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path. It's okay if the place looks like a hole in the wall!
Cocktails
Barcelo Raval Hotel (360 Rooftop bar)
Collage Cocktail Bar
Tandem Cocktail Bar
Paradiso Cocktail Bar
Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar
Dr. Stravinsky
How to get around
Barcelona is a very walkable city, I encourage you to walk as much as you can and get lost in its beautiful streets. Also, the metro is very accessible and goes almost everywhere as well as the bus. You can get a holiday metro pass "Hola Barcelona Travel Card" directly from the Barcelona metro (TMB) website.
Pro tip: Keep your important belongings in front of you at all times (crossbody type bag).
Don't leave important belongings on the table while you're eating (be mindful of pickpockets and use common sense).
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